Liam Buckley eyes another happy road trip
St Patrick's Athletic boss Liam Buckley is hopeful his side can replicate last week's successful trip to Drogheda when they face Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds tonight.
The Saints travel west tohis evening with five Premier Division wins in a row under their belts and mounting a challenge to Dundalk, Cork City and Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table.
Buckley insists the current run his St Pat's side are on is crucial to the club's fortunes for the rest of the season.
"We were delighted to get the points last week against a really tough Drogheda side. They didn't make things easy for us, and after a few chances hadn't gone in, some teams would've ended up with a point. But the lads kept plugging away, stayed positive and eventually got their reward for their efforts," he said.
"We're now focused on facing Sligo who are starting to get some results together so we'll need to make sure we apply ourselves right and are ready for the game.
"We've a few extra players available now from last week so we've got great competition for places so we'll hopefully be strong on Friday and try and come away with the points."
Buckley confirmed that Saints' defender Sean Hoare is back in contention having returned to full training following a hamstring injury but striker Christy Fagan remains out with a knee injury, while James Chambers returns having picked up a back injury late last week.
Saints' striker Jamie McGrath scored his first senior goal for the club in last week's win and said: "I was really delighted to get the first goal and it was a great feeling to score as it gives you great confidence."